Arch said...
Leaky, I seldom browse the forum anymore since I'm almost 6 years out from surgery however I did have the Advance sling procedure performed just over 4 years ago. I had open prostatectomy surgery performed in Ontario and came out with heavy leakage that I was able to reduce to 2-4 pads a day over the course of the first year...then it plateaued. I went through the consultation, cystoscopy and urodynamic testing in Toronto to see if I was a candidate for the sling. They felt since I was leaking so much I had little chance of being dry and recommended a AUS (valve activated device). Since I rode bicycles and motorcycles I was concerned the seats would trigger the AUS by accident so they agreed to do the Advance sling but said I would probably be better but not 100% dry. Big surprise...100% dry and 4 years later still going strong.
I did however have some complications. after surgery I couldn't pee so had to go home with a catheter. After 2 weeks still couldn't pee but while sitting on the edge of the hospital bed trying to pee I noticed that if I sat on the edge of the bed I could void. Apparently the sling was installed a bit tight but if I put gentle pressure on my perineum area I can void normally. This involves just sliding a finger down there and applying a bit of pressure, no one would ever notice it and it works just fine for me...it's my new normal.
I did have some severe bladder spasms for about 2 weeks that began a week after surgery, they were crippling but just disappeared after a week never to re-appear. My experience with the sling has been nothing short of stellar, never leak, no pain, takes away nothing from sexual activity and I never even think about leaks because it just doesn't happen. It was a bit of a long recovery, 6 weeks of doing as little as possible with particular emphasis on no lifting.
I would strongly urge you to take some sort of control of your continence situation, I waited too long and put up with pads longer than necessary. There are other options, do your research. You'll reach a point where you've just had enough and decide to take action, hopefully it works for you, whatever procedure you choose.
If you have questions I'm happy to provide any information on my own experiences.
Ron
This: "This involves just sliding a finger down there and applying a bit of pressure, no one would ever notice it and it works just fine for me...it's my new normal." sounds like your version of the button operated AUS!
Wow, that is some good results. I am still considering trying to talk someone into that, even though I leak very little. But you know, very little can be more than enough sometimes, and it would be nice not to ever think about
it. Plus it would be nice to totally end climacturia, if a sling would do that.